From Villain to Virtual Sweetheart: The Fake Heir's Grand Scheme(BL) Chapter 175: Four Designers and a Factory Tour

The chaos finally died down when Russell wedged himself between them like a tired referee breaking up a childish brawl.

Micah huffed, arms crossed tight across his chest, eyes still blazing. He didn’t say anything, just scowled at Archie like he couldn’t decide whether to chop him into pieces or fry him whole.

"Brother," Russell started, exasperated. "What are you doing? I just asked you to buy breakfast, not play tag." He let out a long sigh and pointed out to a small number of onlookers. "Think about your image! You are the captain of the SilverBlade legion. What if soone records this circus and posts it online?"

Archie’s lip stretched upward. "Wow. You have beco such a wise king, my liege," he said, clutching his chest. "This humble subordinate is touched. So touched he could die here and now."

"Of course. This is a sovereign’s job to correct his subject’s wrongdoings." Russell nodded seriously.

"Pfff!" Micah burst out laughing. "I can’t take it...being delusional apparently runs in the family!"

Russell snapped his head. "Weren’t you freaking out about the last post? What if they think you’re dating my brother this ti?!"

That made Micah shut up but didn’t lessen the intensity of his glare toward Archie.

Russell let out a long sigh. He, always the baby of the group, was forced to act as a sensible adult. These two...

"Brother. You better go. Thanks for breakfast."

Russell pushed Archie away from Micah. He really was afraid of another cody skit these two play in front of the university gate.

Archie nodded and glanced at Micah.

Micah subtly flipped him off behind Russell’s back, mouthing ’sucker’.

Archie chuckled and shook his head in amusent. "Fine. Text when you get there," he said and patted Russell’s head.

Russell nodded, already reaching down to pick up the breakfast bags.

Archie glanced at Micah one last ti and winked at him. Then he turned around and walked toward the university gate, humming to himself.

Micah clenched his fists, and his eyes sparkled with petty vengeance. Russell quickly blocked him with an arm. "Chill out! Let’s eat sothing."

Micah took a deep breath and climbed into the driver’s seat with a heavy sigh and slowly began sipping his honey lemon tea. He held it with both hands, feeling the faint warmth seep into his skin. His scowl softened slightly. It didn’t taste bad. Actually, it was kind of nice. He reached for the wrapped bun Archie handed him and peeled back the paper. He took a bite and chewed slightly. It was soft and a bit sweet. Still, compared to the food from Royal Dragon Pavilion, this was barely average. But it wasn’t bad. It did the job. And weirdly enough, it made him feel a little less irritated.

Russell sat on the passenger seat and pulled out a milk tea for himself. "What were you two fighting about?"

Micah finished chewing and swallowed. "He stuck a nerve. Nothing serious."

Russell shifted in his seat, looking apologetic. "My brother has a good heart but sotis... his words co across as a bit harsh or sarcastic. So I am sorry..."

"Why are you apologising? Don’t worry. I won’t hold you accountable for his behaviour." Micah said nonchalantly. "Anyway, where are the others?"

"lissa and Amy said they were on their way. The girl’s dorm is farther than ours."

"Umm," Micah humd absentmindedly, staring out the windshield for a few seconds.

He didn’t want to admit it, but the whole stupid thing with Archie kind of shook off the sowhat frustration from yesterday.

The jerk was still annoying, still the second male lead, still a threat, but he hadn’t turned entirely evil right now.

Giving him honey lemon tea because of his bad stomach... well, that was one point in his favour. At least, it showed Archie had a tiny decent-quality redemption point.

A few minutes later, two girls waved from the sidewalk and jogged over.

"Sorry, we are late," lissa said, getting in the backseat.

Amy followed her.

Russell handed them their drinks and bread.

As Micah started the car, the conversation picked up fast.

"Classmate," Amy leaned forward, glancing inside the luxury car, "are you from a rich family?"

Micah glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "Kinda. You could say that."

"Oh wow! And your family let you study fashion design?!" Amy said, surprised. "No offence. But most rich families I heard of prefer law, business, or dicine for their sons."

Micah smiled. "No offence taken. I get it. But my grandma and my parents have always backed . So it wasn’t that hard to convince my grandpa. Especially since I have never been good at anything else."

"In my case, I was a sick kid growing up. Always in and out of the hospital. So my family never pushed into anything." Russell said.

lissa clutched her drink with both hands. "Even though I am a girl, I had to fight for this. My parents kept saying fashion design wouldn’t pay my college debt. But I loved it since I was little. So I go ahead with my choice."

"Not ! My grades were so bad that I got shoved into an art-focused high school. But that’s where I found out I was good at crafts and sewing. Who knew I’d end up here?" Amy said.

"You are being modest," Micah said, tossing her a look through the mirror. "Getting into QC uni isn’t easy."

"Yeah. But my whole family is into literature. Authors, editors, and professors. Their standards were... just so different." Amy replied.

Russell raised his drink. "Well. Let’s all work hard and prove this major can lead to success."

"Yeah!" the others agreed, raising their cups.

Micah smiled, listening to their stories.

Eventually, they reached the textile factory. The security guard checked their letter of appointnt, and Micah was allowed to park inside.

A staff mber greeted them at the door and led them to a waiting room.

"Students," the man said politely, "Welco. I have arranged for one of our interns to guide you. Please wait here for a few minutes. And don’t go near any of the machines without supervision. They are dangerous."

They all nodded obediently.

"What we are, so kids?" Micah grumbled under his breath after the staff left.

"They are just doing their jobs," Russell said looking out the window.

Micah grunted and stood near the door, arms crossed.

As they waited, footsteps passed by the open hallway. Two employees walked by, deep in conversation.

"Did you hear?" one woman said. "A higher-up is visiting today. So from headquarters. Big na."

"Really? Why now? There won’t be a downsizing, would there?" the other woman asked.

"No way. We are one the best in the industry."

"So why coming here?"

"Maybe they’re promoting soone?"

"Oh, maybe Director Allen?"

"Yeah. She’s perfect, honestly. Smart, gorgeous, kind. Super efficient."

"But I’ll be sad if she leaves!"

"Maybe the higher-up wants to check her out. You know like in dramas. A chance encounter to make her fall in love!"

"O.. I want to see their first encounter!"

" too..."

"Yeah! It must be it."

The footsteps faded. Micah blinked. A bad premonition filled his heart.